http://translate.google.co.uk/translate?hl=en&sl=it&u=http://www.omnicorse.it/magazine/45337/f1-salta-il-freezing-delle-power-unit-2015&prev=search Says Ecclestone menacing the comeback to V10s was instrumental in persuading Mercedes
It sounds as though upgrades can be made incrementally during the season. That would be good, but let's wait and see what truth really is.
+1 Google translate isn't the best, but it sure reads that way. Would be happier if it was on Bernie's site or Autosport, but sounds like they can use their (32 next year) "tokens" all through the season rather than being stuck with whatever they've done by the homologation deadline. If true, I think it's a pretty good idea; Get as much "major" work done while using, say, half the tokens by the season start deadline. Then incremental upgrades as you learn more during the season. Almost sounds too logical to be true........ Cheers, Ian
The token system is clearly spelled out in the appendix to the F1 technical regs. It says what items can be changed and how many tokens each change requires.
It does allow a team to make what changes it can before the season begins and then still be able to address any remaining issues during the season. So, it sounds like a good idea. As you say, almost too logical to be true.
I think all they can do by 2016 is to nibble around the edges of the existing formula. Perhaps increase fuel flow and consumption, bring refueling or increase tank capacity, up the rev limit, and increase boost. Then pray that these engines don't blow up every other race, because they were designed for less stress. But I don't see how any of that reduces cost unless the MGU/storage system is simplified. Perhaps the MGU-H goes away? That ought to annoy Mercedes since that is an area where they seem to be way ahead. I just don't see how you drive the cost down significantly while maintaining a hybrid system.
+1 Here is the relevant page again; The more I study it, the more it actually makes sense!..... *Very* very little is actually frozen for many years yet. Some basic engine "specs" are frozen; Bore spacing, deck height, bank stagger, crank throw & journal diameters are set. The air valve system is also locked - Renault are believed to have the "best" solution to the latter. Beyond that - ie, a complete redesign of the block itself ($$$), you're pretty much free for many years yet...... Cheers, Ian Beyond that, Image Unavailable, Please Login
Thanks. I hope that we get to see which team changes what. Remember MB has the same latitude to Change their PUs. Who knows, that may be even more dominent next season.
Great idea! They claim to be embracing the 'digital age'... Bernie says he has 'ten people on it'. He doesn't know what they do, but that's what he's told apparently. Seriously, it would be cool to know where they're spending their tokens..... Sure. But seems they may already be closer to 'the limit' (?) Unfortunately true. But I doubt it..... I wouldn't bet against 'em, but I'm really hoping they're at least challenged this time. Cheers, Ian
You realize that on the Internet quoting yourself is the same as talking to yourself in the real world.
The limit? Don't know that there is one. They got it right the first time so logically they're most likely to get it right this time.
Great video post, I bought some valves from an F2003 last time I was in Maranello. I was struck by the irony of the fact that we started that season pretty poorly, Maccas won the first few races I believe. We built a new engine and had a great rest of the years racing - thanks to the fact that we were allowed to develop the engine in season
The entire CONCEPT of a Formula One Grand Prix season is absurdly expensive and about as green as a coal factory. There point is to demonstrate the highest limits of man's capabilities with a given framework, which is unfortunately becoming tighter every year. These are neutered turbo engines, only 600 HP without ERS. A concentrated effort could produce much better sounds (like in the '80s) and turbo engines sound more and more wicked with boost and any engine sounds more wicked with higher revs. I haven't given up on them yet unless they plan to freeze them. What is the point of engine freezes when the new formula just started??!!
The theory was, based on the new regulations all of the power-units would start off being almost identical in power output and drive-ability and so the FIA wanted to ensure that no one could develop their power-unit through the season and gain a big advantage. The whole concept of the freeze fell flat on it's face though because one manufacturer (Mercedes), started off with a big advantage and the freeze prevented the others from catching up. Basically, the FIA meant well with the engine freeze but it back-fired big time!
People say they cost to much . If you open the rule book the costs will hit the roof and no one wants that .
I also agree. Twin turbos would be more of an engineering challenge in terms of heat management so I don't expect them to make that radical a change right now, but such a change would make for better sound but at the expense of a massive amount of development everyone's already done with the current single turbo layout so it's a very tough call to even move towards a vote. If they did propose a vote for that then they might as well vote for a move to an entire different engine layout altogether as it would be just about as easy. I'm afraid the current configuration probably won't change for a few years at least. Entirely too much has been collectively put in by all manufacturers to just pull out now.
